Frequently Asked Questions

I have not filed a tax return and/or paid taxes for several years.

Not filing a tax return or filing a late return is a serious risk. If you have not filed a return in recent years, and were required to do so, the IRS may begin a collection process that can calumniate with a levy against your wages, bank account(s) and/or assets.

Even if you did file a return, but did not pay the full amount due, the IRS may assess substantial interest and penalties against you. The IRS can eventually seize your assets or levy money from wages and/or bank account(s) until your debt is paid.

Joseph H. Thibodeau, P.C., can obtain the necessary information to get your returns filed and bring you back into compliance. In some instances, you may even be entitled to a refund.

If, upon filing your tax return, or past due returns for prior years, you are unable to pay the full amount due, we can work to reduce the amount you owe or negotiate a monthly payment that is reasonable given your monthly income.

I just filed my tax return(s) (or preparing to do so) and do not have the ability to pay the amount I owe.

If you cannot afford to pay your taxes, it is important that you not ignore the problem; there are options available to keep you in compliance.

Keep in mind, the Internal Revenue Service will assess interest and often times penalties against you for untimely payment of tax. Interest and penalties increase quickly so it is important not to let your tax problems fall behind.

Joseph H. Thibodeau, P.C., will work with the IRS to determine a payment solution that will keep you in compliance and fit your budget.

We can determine a feasible solution to your situation, by considering options such as: (1) filing an offer-in-compromise to reduce the amount of tax you owe; (2) requesting an installment agreement to pay the amount in monthly payments; (3) filing bankruptcy to discharge the debt; or, (4) request that the IRS place your account on uncollectable status.

I have received a letter(s) from the Internal Revenue Service (or state/city tax agency) demanding the payment of past due taxes.

Content to be determined.

The IRS has garnished my wages and/or taken or threatened to take money from my bank account.

If the IRS has taken wages from your paycheck and/or money from your bank account(s), it has begun the levy process. The IRS can levy your wages and/or account(s) until the amount you owe has been paid in full. The amount the IRS will levy often leaves the taxpayer unable to pay their rent/mortgage and other important expenses.

Joseph H. Thibodeau, P.C., will work to release the levy and/or reduce the amount taken from your wages, enabling you to continue to pay your necessary expenses.

Two (2) IRS Special Agents have contacted me, in person.

If two IRS Special Agents have contacted you in person, someone is under criminal investigation; it may be you. You should contact an attorney immediately. Any information provided to the Special Agents could be used against you at a later time, possibly even in a criminal trial.

Joseph H. Thibodeau, P.C., has extensive experience in criminal tax defense. We will take any and all steps to defend your rights.

The IRS contacted trying to collect tax my spouse/ex-spouse owes.

Consider that one spouse might prepare a tax return without advising the other of its contents before obtaining his/her signature. Moreover, one spouse often handles the financial affairs for the family while the other has no experience or familiarity with such matters.

If you signed a joint return with your spouse/ex-spouse, you may not be liable for some or even the entire amount of tax due.

Joseph H. Thibodeau, P.C., can file an "innocent spouse" claim on your behalf and fight for an equitable distribution of tax liability between you and your spouse/ex-spouse.

My business is falling behind on employment taxes.

Employment taxes are subject to the most stringent enforcement provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, some employment taxes can be assessed against you personally even if your business is incorporated.

Joseph H. Thibodeau, P.C., understands the intricacies of employment taxation and will work to determine if an installment agreement or other mechanism is feasible to pay the tax owed. In addition, we will fight to have penalties abated, and minimize your personal exposure to the assessment.

Disclaimer: We can only give legal advice to those who have become our clients. The user acknowledges that no legal advice is provided on this Web site.

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